From Diagnosis to Hope
- May 7
- 5 min read
By Mallory Leonard ◆ Photos supplied
For more than four decades, Dr. Taher Zandi has devoted his career to serving the North Country, offering not only his expertise as a clinical neuropsychologist, but also a deeply rooted commitment to compassionate, human-centered care. His work has consistently extended beyond the individual patient to include the family as an essential part of the healing process, an approach that has become a hallmark of his practice.
Dr. Zandi’s dedication to the elderly began during his doctoral studies in the early 1980s. “During that time, geriatric psychology remained largely overlooked,” Dr. Zandi said. He recalled the striking absence of meaningful research and clinical attention devoted to aging individuals. While limited literature existed in Europe, resources in the United States were scarce and insufficient. Rather than accept this gap, Dr. Zandi chose to confront it directly, focusing his dissertation on memory assessment in older adults, an area that would become the foundation of his life’s work.
Dr. Zandi’s early academic career at SUNY Plattsburgh further solidified this commitment. There, he developed and taught courses centered on geriatric psychology, helping to educate a new generation of students in an under-served and critically important field.
At the same time, Dr. Zandi established a small clinical program where he and his students could work directly with older adults experiencing memory-related challenges. The initiative gained momentum when, in 1984, SUNY Plattsburgh was awarded a New York State grant to establish an Alzheimer’s Disease Assistance Center. Notably, it was the only non-medical program in the state to receive such recognition and an early testament to the innovation and necessity of Dr. Zandi’s work.
“My encounters with elderly individuals living in isolation left the most profound impressions,” he offered. “Many of the patients facing cognitive decline lacked family support which resulted in deep loneliness.’
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Dr. Zandi and his colleagues set out to create a meaningful solution. The result was the founding of the Third Age Adult Day Center in 1986, a program that continues at SUNY Plattsburgh today. Dr. Zandi described it as “a home away from home — a place that offers a warm, welcoming environment where individuals can find connection, structure, and dignity.”
Dr. Zandi understood that isolation often exacerbates the symptoms of dementia, contributing to depression, paranoia and withdrawal. Third Age offered something equally vital as clinical care — a sense of belonging.
Following his retirement from SUNY Plattsburgh, Dr. Zandi transitioned into private practice, founding the Mood and Memory Clinic over a decade ago. Its goal is to continue to serve the region’s under-served populations.
The clinic provides comprehensive assessment and treatment for a wide spectrum of conditions, including dementia and related disorders, traumatic brain injury, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). As demand for these services has grown —often outpacing available resources — the clinic has remained steadfast in its mission to deliver thorough, individualized care.
The clinic’s location at 96 Court Street reflects Dr. Zandi’s commitment to integrated, efficient treatment. By sharing office space with a physician, the clinic ensures that patients have access to both diagnostic and medical support in a coordinated setting. Alongside two clinicians and an office assistant, this collaborative model enhances not only efficiency, but also the overall patient and family experience.
In recent years, the Mood and Memory Clinic has witnessed a notable shift in patient needs. While dementia assessments remain a core focus, there has been a significant increase in adults seeking evaluations for ADHD and ASD.
Dr. Zandi has also observed the lingering social effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly among adolescents. “Prolonged isolation during developmental years has contributed to challenges in socialization, with many high school students now presenting for ASD assessments at higher rates,” Dr. Zandi noted. “For some, preexisting tendencies may have been intensified by the absence of daily interpersonal interaction, highlighting the complex interplay between environment and neurological development.”
Demand for clinic services is strong. With appointments booked well into 2027 for non-emergent cases, the team relies on a careful triage system to prioritize urgent needs. “Each case is reviewed with intention, ensuring that those requiring immediate attention are seen as quickly as possible,” Dr. Zandi emphasized. It is a delicate balance, one that underscores both the scale of need in the community and the clinic’s unwavering commitment to meeting it.
To extend its reach, the Mood and Memory Clinic has also embraced telehealth services. While clinicians remain available in the office, Dr. Zandi is able to conduct appointments remotely when necessary, supported by office staff that assist patients and families during virtual visits. Though he acknowledges that building trust and maintaining nuanced communication can be more challenging through a screen, Dr. Zandi views technology as an indispensable tool in expanding access to care. Whenever possible, virtual patients are later seen in person, reinforcing the personal connection that lies at the heart of his approach.
“Effective care begins with understanding the individual,” Dr. Zandi observed. “In the realm of cognitive and memory disorders, symptoms can often mask deeper underlying conditions. Anxiety and depression, for instance, may not be isolated diagnoses, but manifestations of neurological change.”
By taking the time to know each patient and their family, Dr. Zandi ensures that treatment is not only accurate but meaningful. This emphasis on relationship-building fosters trust, encourages openness, and ultimately leads to better outcomes.
Reflecting on what success means to him, Dr. Zandi does not point to accolades or metrics, but to the quality of care his team provides. “Success lies in compassion, precision and personalization – in helping patients understand that a diagnosis does not define their identity,” he explained. “Individuals are far more than their cognitive challenges. They are parents, partners, educators, and friends. The clinic’s role is not to simply diagnose, but to guide, support, and offer tangible solutions that restore a sense of agency and hope.”
Looking ahead, Dr. Zandi continues to seek ways to expand the clinic’s impact. He is actively recruiting an additional neuropsychologist to help meet growing demand, recognizing that even one more provider could significantly reduce wait times and increase access to care. He is also deeply interested in advancing early detection methods, both through emerging diagnostic technologies and through broader community education. “Increasing awareness and identifying cognitive changes earlier are critical steps to improve long-term outcomes,” he noted.
Yet, for all the advancements, Dr. Zandi finds the greatest meaning in the simplest moments. “A smile from a patient,” he said. “A family’s sense of relief when uncertainty begins to lift. The quiet understanding that even if the memory fades, the feeling of being cared for remains. These fleeting, but powerful moments are what define success. They are reminders that beyond every diagnosis lies a human story, and within every story, the enduring possibility of hope.”
Mood and Memory Clinic
96 Court Street
Plattsburgh, NY 12901
518-561-3707
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